Calvin Oftana: TNT Tropang Giga Game-Changer with Multiple Championship Aspirations

• Driven by Family: Oftana’s second PBA title is inspired by his wife and child.
• No Shortcuts: His journey from grassroots basketball to PBA stardom proves persistence pays.
• Hunger for More: The forward eyes consistent championship contention for TNT.

TNT Tropang Giga’s Calvin Oftana recently helped seal an impressive championship victory, but for the versatile wingman, the journey doesn’t stop at a trophy. Instead, it’s fuel for even bigger aspirations—not just for himself, but for his team and family.

“Syempre sweeter and mas masaya ngayon kasi noong first championship ko buntis pa lang yung asawa ko. Ngayon, nakikita na ng anak ko at naiintindihan na niya yung laro. Nakikita ko yung sigla niya at sila ng asawa ko yung naging inspirasyon ko,” Oftana shared.

The finals win may have been a job well done, but it represents a significant step in the larger vision Oftana has for TNT: being a top contender in every conference.

Facing Challenges with Resilience

Oftana’s humility and candidness make him relatable to Filipino fans, but his climb hasn’t been without hurdles.

“Merong times na hindi pabor yung outcome ng laro, syempre nafru-frustrate ka. Hindi naman yun mawawala as a player. As a professional, you need to know how to overcome those things,” he admitted.

Still, he draws strength from his family, teammates, and the loyal TNT ka-tropa community. These relationships fuel his drive to keep winning, even when the odds are stacked against him.

From Siaton to Stardom

Calvin’s basketball journey began far from the bright lights of the PBA. Growing up in Siaton, Negros Oriental, Oftana taught himself the fundamentals of the game by watching YouTube videos. A natural athlete, he transitioned from volleyball and track and field to basketball, eventually catching the eye of college scouts.

At San Beda, he sharpened his skills, leading the Red Lions to championships and earning individual accolades. Drafted 3rd overall in the 2021 PBA Draft by the NLEX Road Warriors, Oftana’s potential became immediately clear. His shift to TNT Tropang Giga has since been a career-defining move.

“Binubuhos ko yung 100 percent sa bawat laro. Sabi ko nga kung bibigyan ako ng chance ng teammates at coaches, I will give it my all para sa kanila,” he said.

TNT’s Consistent Contender

Off the court, Oftana engages with fans in fun and relatable ways, from TikTok videos with his siblings to updates on Instagram. Despite his lighthearted online persona, his focus on TNT’s future is razor-sharp.

“Naglalaro tayo para makapagbigay ng saya sa mga ka-tropa natin. I want the team to be a top contender for every conference,” Oftana emphasized.

While he’s mindful not to make bold dynasty claims for TNT, his commitment to the team’s history and success is unwavering.

Shining on the National Stage

Oftana’s contributions extend beyond the PBA, with significant moments as a Gilas Pilipinas mainstay. A key player in the 2022 Asian Games, he helped secure the Philippines’ first basketball gold in 61 years.

With upcoming FIBA Asia Cup games against New Zealand and Hong Kong, Oftana is already setting his sights on making waves internationally while keeping his focus on TNT’s next conference.

A Role Model for Aspiring Athletes

Oftana’s journey is an inspiring reminder that dreams are attainable with hard work and determination. Whether shooting hoops as a young boy in Negros Oriental or dominating in the PBA, he’s consistently proven that success is earned, not given.

“I honestly don’t think about [my status in the PBA]. I’m just focused on what I can do for the team. Yung maglaro nang maganda para manalo—para sa mga ka-tropa, sa management, at para sa family ko,” he said.

With his second championship under his belt, Calvin Oftana is far from done. For TNT Tropang Giga and its fans, this is just the beginning of a promising new chapter.